If you're new here Hi! Welcome! I am glad you're here! I hope this blog brings you motivation and hope! If you are NOT new here.. Hi! Welcome back! I am glad you are here too! This blog post is going to start a little different from my normal posts and hopefully, you will understand why.
Last week I took a small break from blog writing. Not because I didn't have anything to write or any other lame excuse I could come up with. I actually grabbed my laptop, sat down, and was ready with a topic in mind for the blog post. I had been thinking about the said topic for a while however when I sat down to begin to write, all the words left my brain. Yes, I know what you're thinking, "well why didn't you write them down when you thought of them?" Well... let me let you in on a little secret.
Come closer...
I'M A PERSON TOO!
I was ready to do my blog post last week but when it was staring me in the face I lost the motivation to do it. Yes. I lost motivation to write my weekly motivational blog post. I am a human just like you and on occasion, I, too, need the motivation to do things. I want to apologize to anyone that needed that extra nudge my blog gives them. Instead of word vomiting a terrible blog post a couple days late, I decided to just take the week off and focus on myself. WHICH is this week's topic.
So, like I said. We are human and we often lose motivation to do things that we KNOW we need to do. I am here to give you that motivation. Now, there are three things I want you to remember while you're reading this blog post. One, you are human. Two, you are unique. Not everyone has the same problems or things in their lives. Three, make time for YOU! I guess three and a half, give yourself some grace! You work hard, you deserve a break!
"Well Tuesdae, that's easier said than done." Actually, it's quite simple! I am going to tell you 20 (or so) different ways to take care of yourself. In other words self-care. This has become an extremely important subject on social media lately. Self-care is SO important. Not only does it clear your mind and help you relax, but it also helps your mental health. First and foremost, TAKE A BREAK! Just chill out for a few. Then, do any number of these self-care ideas. Now, ANYONE can do these! Don't let age, gender, etc. stop you!
One of my favorite things to do is curl up on the couch with a good book. This can be a book you have read a million times, a new book, an audiobook, an e-book, etc. OR you can grab your bible and flip to a random book or read one of your favorites! My usual go-to's are Ephesians and Phillippians. Now, you don't have to read the whole book right then, but you can, and if you do, congratulations! I am so happy for you!
*2. Yoga/Meditation/Stretching:
I combined all these into one because they are similar. You can do a self-guided yoga session or meditation session or stretching session. Or, I tend to download an app or find one on YouTube and follow it. There are plenty of different forms of yoga, meditation, and stretching. On top of all three of these things being beneficial for your mental health, they are also beneficial for your body and overall makes you feel good. One thing I can recommend is starting a routine before bed doing all or one of these activities.
3. Cuddle a pet:
This is always acceptable. Sometimes my cat doesn't want to cuddle me but I make him anyway. Just cuddle up to your pet. Oftentimes, animals can sense when you are not feeling like yourself. I have seen time and time again when I am feeling sick or upset, my dad's dog will lay down with me and cuddle with me. Now, maybe you don't have a pet. That is okay, cuddle a stuffed animal or a pillow or a person. Hopefully, you know that person and you have permission to cuddle them otherwise that would be awkward.
*4. Be creative:
Here at Created To Create we are ALWAYS an advocate of being creative!! Go and create something! Use your emotion to make some form of art! Don't even plan it out. Just grab your supplies and go make! One thing that is soothing while creating is crumpling or tearing paper. It is a great way to relieve stress. If you want to create but you don't know what to create there is always Pinterest! Pinterest is a creatives best friend! Or, comment on this blog post and I can figure something out for you!
5. Drink tea/ a hot beverage:
If you follow my YouTube channel you may have noticed I ALWAYS have a cup of tea(or coffee) and a candle. Tea is always a great way to relax and enjoy a moment to yourself. Various teas have different effects on your body and mind. For example, Chamomile tea is known to help with depression. Peppermint helps with relaxation and tummy aches. Green tea improves concentration and metabolism. Personally, I enjoy peppermint and English breakfast teas. If you don't like tea, there is always coffee, hot chocolate, hot cider, etc.
*6. Go for a walk/run:
Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air helps relax your mind. Go for a jog, a run, or a walk. You don't have to do this for a long time. A quick jog, run, or walk will do. I often like going on nature walks. These are great because you can take in your surroundings. I haven't tried it yet because it has been cold outside, but I have been introduced to nature journaling. Basically, you go for a walk and record what you have observed. When the weather warms up I am going to start doing this! From what I understand, you can write or sketch your observations or both! If you guys have done this or are planning to when the weather warms up, I would love to see some entries! Use the hashtag #thecrafteacottagenaturejournal and tag me on Instagram!
7. Take a bath/ hot shower:
I have often heard people don't like to take baths, but they are so relaxing! Take a hot bubble bath with a bath bomb if you have one. Light some candles, turn off the lights, turn on some relaxing music. Relax until you can't feel your fingers anymore or until the water isn't warm anymore (either will work). And, if you don't like taking baths, then take a hot shower. Sometimes if I am overwhelmed I will sit in the hot shower and just let the water run on me.
*8. Do a face mask/skincare routine:
This can be combined with taking a bath! Apply a face mask while the water fills up. When your time is up, rinse off your face mask and get out. Once you get out you can then do your normal skincare routine or start a new one! Wash your face, apply moisturizer, etc. Do whatever makes you feel clean and relaxed!
9. Journal:
I love journaling! Grab a journal or a notebook or just a piece of paper. You can sit and write; treat it as a diary or you can look up different writing prompts for self-care/mental health. Again, Pinterest is our best friend! I will put a link at the bottom of this page to my journaling board on Pinterest. Take a look at those or find your own and just write to your heart's content.
*10. Take a nap:
You can always take a nap. Sometimes your brain just needs a literal break. Lay down, close your eyes, and take a nap. Take a long nap, a short nap. Whatever you need! You deserve it! Sleep is essential for our brain to function!
11. Workout/lift weights:
On the other end, doing a vigorous workout or lifting weights also improves mood and is good for your body and mental health. Along with going for a jog or run, working out accelerates your heart rate. This also reduces anxiety, depression, and negative moods. You don't even necessarily have to even do a vigorous workout! Just be active for a minimum of 10 minutes!
*12. Drink a glass (or two) of water:
Staying hydrated is extremely important. When you're feeling down drink some water. When you're feeling good, drink some water. Literally, you can drink water at any time! I can't express how important it is for you to drink water!
13. Affirmations:
Affirmations are small blurbs/sentences used for emotional support and encouragement. These can be written or verbal. Just remind yourself that you are awesome and you are doing a great job! (Because you are!) Below are seven affirmations that you can tell yourself every day. Again... Pinterest is our best friend!
14. Call a loved one:
I don't really think this one needs much explaining. Call your mom. Call your dad. Call your sister. Call your best friend. Call someone important to you. Check-in on the people you care about. See how they are doing. See if they want to hang out for a few, maybe get some coffee (COVID permitting). A small phone call can change someone's entire day or their outlook on life.
*15. Color:
Break out the crayons and coloring book! Borrow supplies from your children. Or print some adult coloring pages from the internet. Then just sit down, turn on some music, make a hot drink, and just color. If you feel overwhelmed or stressed, coloring greatly relieves stress. Maybe you want to take it a step further. There are these things called Zentangles that are EXTREMELY relaxing! They look more complicated than they actually are. Pinterest has step-by-step pictures showing how to do them. Normally, these are done in black with a sharpie but they can definitely be done in color!
16. Eat a snack:
GO EAT SOMETHING! Sometimes you just need a snack. You might just need to eat to feel better. In the wise words of Remus Lupin, "Eat. You'll feel better." (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.) Treat yourself to your favorite snack or a healthy snack.
17. Watch your favorite show or movie:
Take time for yourself. Watch a couple episodes of your favorite T.V. show or watch your favorite feel-good movie. I love watching Inside Out or Home when I feel down. They are both adorable "children's" movies. Make some popcorn or grab a snack that you enjoy and just relax.
*18. Dance it out:
Dancing is amazing! It's fun and you don't have to be good at it. Just turn on some music and move! Just let out all your emotions. Not only is dancing fun, but it also improves your mood, eases anxiety, and can reduce pain and stiffness.
19. Pray:
Matthew 7:7 says, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." I am a huge advocate of prayer! Prayer works! Ask God for whatever you need! A break, patience, time, etc. God will provide whatever you ask for! If you need help on how to pray, I will provide a link to a previous blog post explaining different ways to pray as well as a link to one of my favorite YouTubers who has several videos on prayer!
*20. Light a candle:
Again, if you follow my YouTube channel, I always have tea and a candle. I absolutely LOVE candles! Every time Bath & Body Works has a sale I am there to get more candles! Well, maybe not every time but enough to get new candles! Candles can be so relaxing, especially if you have aromatherapy candles. This tip works best when combined with another one. Or, you can go to your local Bath & Body Works, Walmart, whatever store sells candles, and just smell the candles they have. I find candles to be relaxing and they make your house smell nice.
*I hope these tips and ideas help you to unwind, relax, and take care of yourself! Make time for you! Self-care is so so important! Don't forget: Self-care is not selfish! Please take care of yourself! I will see you next week!
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